# Deriving forces from an energy potential

## Homework Statement

This is not a homework problem. I'm trying to do this for research purposes. I have an energy potential (the Keating potential) of the following form (attached). In this form, A, B, and C are force constants, and r_ab is the vector along the bond between atoms a and b. For my purposes, subscripts i and i' represent silicon atoms while j and k represent oxygen atoms. r_0 is the equilibrium Si-O bond length and theta_0 is the average oxygen bond angle.

From this form, I need to derive an equation describing the forces so that I can speed up a conjugate gradient optimization so I don't have to keep estimating the gradient from multiple calls to the energy function.

## Homework Equations

r_ij = r_i - r_j (where r's are vectors)

cos theta_ijk = (r_ij dot r_ik)/(abs(r_ij)*abs(r_ik))

## The Attempt at a Solution

Honestly, I'm at a loss as to how to even attempt a solution to this problem. Any help/guidance on the subject would be appreciated.

Many thanks,

pholvey

#### Attachments

• KeatingPotential.jpg
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